Memmert IN30 incubator, compact incubator with natural convection, 32 litres, up to 80 °C

The Memmert IN30 incubator is one of the most frequently ordered Memmert instruments at LT Laborhandel. With an internal volume of 32 litres, a temperature range of 20 to 80 °C and purely natural convection, it is designed as a compact incubator for the incubation and cultivation of samples in microbiology, food analysis and pharmacy. An internal glass door allows visual inspection of the cultures without having to open the fully insulated outer door and thereby disturb the internal temperature – a practical difference compared to the pure heating and drying cabinets of the UN series.

Natural convection for stable incubation conditions

The Memmert IN30 incubator operates without an air turbine or a forced-air fan; the heat rises within the chamber purely by thermal convection. This is an advantage for the cultivation of microorganisms and cell cultures: there is no forced air movement that could dry out open Petri dishes or affect culture media. The operating temperature range starts at a minimum of 5 °C above room temperature and extends up to 80 °C. A DIN Class A Pt100 temperature sensor with 4-wire measurement ensures a setting accuracy of 0.1 °C across the entire operating range – a crucial factor for reproducible incubation temperatures, such as 37 °C in microbiology.

ControlCOCKPIT SingleDISPLAY and data acquisition

The IN30 is controlled via the ControlCOCKPIT SingleDISPLAY, an adaptive, multifunctional digital PID microprocessor controller with a high-resolution TFT colour graphic display. The temperature can be set in Celsius or Fahrenheit, as well as the position of the exhaust air flap, programme duration, time zone and summer/winter time. A digital countdown timer with target time can be set from 1 minute to 99 days; the SetpointWait function only starts the incubation time once the setpoint temperature has actually been reached, which is important for defined incubation times. The data logger can be read out and managed via the Ethernet interface; a time-limited trial version of the AtmoCONTROL software is available for download.

Capacity and dimensions of the Memmert IN30 incubator

The internal chamber measures 400 x 320 x 250 mm, whilst the external dimensions are 585 x 704 x 434 mm. An electropolished stainless steel wire rack is included as standard; the incubator can accommodate up to three racks in total. The maximum load capacity is 60 kg for the entire unit and 20 kg per shelf, which is more than sufficient for Petri dishes, test tubes and smaller culture vessels. The interior consists of easy-to-clean stainless steel, reinforced by deep-drawn ribbing, with protected, integrated 4-sided all-round heating; the housing is made of textured stainless steel with a fully galvanised sheet steel rear panel. The IN30 is connected to 230 V (approx. 1,600 W) or 115 V (approx. 800 W), in both cases at 50/60 Hz, with noticeably lower power consumption than the UN series incubators with their higher temperature range.

Selection guide: choosing the right incubator size

LT Laborhandel offers a choice of two sizes with natural convection, as well as the forced-air version with TwinDISPLAY for different temperature distribution requirements.

For those who wish to incubate more culture flasks simultaneously whilst still avoiding forced air circulation, the Memmert IN55 incubator with a 53-litre capacity offers the next level. Those who, on the other hand, require active, more uniform air circulation as well as an integrated sterilisation programme will find these functions in the Memmert IF30plus incubator, which is identical in size. The full range of climate chambers and incubators can be found under Climate Chambers & Incubators.

Distinction: Incubator versus heating cabinet, IN versus IF

Unlike the universal cabinets in the UN series, the IN30 is specifically designed for incubation temperatures up to 80 °C, not for drying or tempering processes up to 300 °C. The inner glass door, included with the IN30, is not part of the standard specification for the UN models and is important for culture monitoring without temperature loss. Within the incubator range, the key purchasing decision is between natural convection (IN series) and forced air circulation (IF series): The IF30plus features an air turbine, two Pt100 sensors for mutual monitoring, a TwinDISPLAY with two screens and a permanently installed sterilisation programme for the interior – all functions that the IN30, with its SingleDISPLAY, does not offer. Those who switch between different sample types and wish to decontaminate the interior between runs are better served by the IF30plus; those who require quiet, vibration-free incubation without air movement are better off sticking with the IN30.

Safety in accordance with DIN 12880

The IN30 features adjustable electronic temperature monitoring and a mechanical temperature limiter of protection class 1 in accordance with DIN 12880, which switches off the heating when the temperature reaches approximately 20 °C above the maximum chamber temperature – an important feature for incubation runs lasting several days without constant supervision. A self-diagnostic system assists with fault-finding, and three freely selectable temperature values can be calibrated. The unit bears CE and EAC markings as well as a UL mark.

Installation, operation and disposal

For operation, a minimum distance of 15 cm from the wall and a maximum distance of 20 cm from the ceiling must be maintained; a minimum of 5 cm is sufficient on either side in relation to a wall or neighbouring unit. Installation is permitted at altitudes of up to 2,000 m above sea level at an ambient temperature of 5 °C to 40 °C and a relative humidity of no more than 80 per cent, non-condensing. Electrically, the IN30 is designed for overvoltage category II and pollution degree 2; it must only be transported in an upright position. The interior and the inner glass door can be cleaned using standard laboratory cleaning agents and disinfectants. As an electrical appliance, the IN30 is subject to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act at the end of its service life and must not be disposed of with household waste.

Typical areas of application

With an internal volume of 32 litres and incubation temperatures of up to 80 °C, the Memmert IN30 incubator is suitable for compact routine applications in microbiology and food technology.

• Incubation of culture media and cultures in routine microbiological work
• Bacterial count determination and shelf-life testing in food analysis
• Incubation of small batches in the pharmaceutical industry and research
• Visual inspection of ongoing cultures without temperature loss thanks to the internal glass door
• Compact entry-level incubator for schools, training and routine laboratories

Reasons for investment: Equipment for day-to-day incubation

The IN30 comes supplied with 1 electropolished stainless steel wire shelf and the internal glass door; the incubator is designed to accommodate up to 3 shelves. For process documentation, we recommend a permanent AtmoCONTROL software licence rather than the time-limited trial version, supplemented by a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. Those wishing to secure access can configure a lockable door with a security lock; for enhanced safety, an additional Pt100 sensor with overtemperature protection is available. For pharmaceutical or standards-compliant applications, we arrange calibration, IQ/OQ/PQ and maintenance services, including those accredited by DAkkS. Those wishing to combine the IN30 with other devices on a shelf or rack will find a space-saving solution in a wall bracket or stacking kit, without taking up any additional floor space.

Frequently asked questions before purchase

What is the inner glass door for?
It allows visual inspection of the cultures without having to open the fully insulated outer door, which reduces temperature fluctuations inside the unit and minimises disruption to the incubation process.

Up to what temperature does the IN30 operate?
The adjustable temperature range is from 20 to 80 °C; the operating temperature range starts at a minimum of 5 °C above room temperature.

How many culture vessels can fit inside at the same time?
One wire shelf is included as standard; up to three shelves, each with a maximum load of 20 kg, are possible, for a total load of up to 60 kg.

Is the IN30 different from the UN30 universal cabinet?
Yes, the IN30 is designed for incubation temperatures up to 80 °C and has an internal glass door, whilst the UN30 operates as a heating and drying cabinet up to 300 °C without an internal glass door.

Is the IN30 a medical device?
No, according to Memmert’s own MDR classification table, the IN30 is not a medical device; this applies only to the separate m and mplus variants.

Is there a version with active air circulation?
Yes, the Memmert IF30plus incubator, which is the same size, features forced air circulation, TwinDISPLAY and an integrated sterilisation programme.

Is the IN30 suitable for continuous operation over several days?
The mechanical temperature limiter, which complies with Protection Class 1 according to DIN 12880, switches off the heating element if the temperature exceeds the set point by approximately 20 °C and is designed for unattended operation.

Can the IN30 also be used for drying tasks instead of incubation?
In principle, yes, provided the setpoint temperature is within the range of 20 to 80 °C. For higher drying temperatures up to 300 °C, a heating and drying cabinet from the UN series, such as the Memmert UN30 universal cabinet, is the more suitable choice.

Technical details

Contents of delivery

• 1x Memmert IN30 incubator
• Factory calibration certificate (calibrated at 37 °C)
• Fully insulated stainless steel door with 2-point locking mechanism (compression door seal)
• Inner glass door
• 1x stainless steel wire mesh shelf, electropolished

Regulatory information

The Memmert IN30 incubator is registered with the Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register (Stiftung EAR) under WEEE registration number DE 66812464.

Customised requirements & procurement service

Options available for the IN30 include interior lighting and a power socket, a lockable door with a security lock, an additional Pt100 sensor with over-temperature protection, and reinforced wire mesh shelves. For data acquisition, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter and AtmoCONTROL software licences are available. In addition, we arrange calibration, IQ/OQ/PQ and maintenance services, some of which are DAkkS-accredited. Do you require any of these accessories or assistance in selecting the right incubator for your application? Through our procurement service, LT Laborhandel will be happy to assist you with procurement and configuration.